My mother and father taught in me the importance of respecting other people when I was a young child. Because they were aware of the need of demonstrating respect in certain circumstances, I was able to develop the same sense of purpose as they were.
The photograph of a United States soldier standing at attention in the pouring rain had an effect on me because of this reason. It is to the photographer’s credit that they understood the importance of disseminating the image to the whole globe.
As was to be anticipated, the photograph rapidly went viral, and many were eager to reach out and express their admiration to the soldier.
Following the identification of the individual, his statements accurately mirrored his personality.
2017 July 6 was the date in question. On a roadway close to Vine Grove, Kentucky, Erin Hester was seated at a junction at the intersection.
As the rain continued to pelt, she became aware of a soldier who was standing at attention outside. After a period of time, she looked at him in a bewildered manner before she became aware that a funeral procession was approaching. The fact that he was not a part of the procession and had no prior knowledge of the dead person did not prevent him from giving a salute.
Hester was aware that she needed to take photographs of the event. When Hester posted her picture on social media, she received favorable comments from her followers.
“I was completely moved by this today,” Hester said in a post and shared on Facebook. When a funeral procession came by, this soldier got out of his truck and stood at attention in the pouring rain throughout the parade. This guy went above and above what was expected of him, which is something that I always find frustrating when vehicles do not pull over and stop for a parade.
I have a strong belief that there is no regulation in the military that mandates that troops participate in this activity. My heart was filled with joy when I saw the level of respect that this guy exhibited to a family that he had no prior knowledge of. “Respect and values both.”
The soldier has been identified.
I was able to locate the soldier who had done the touching act after her tweet took off and became widely shared. This individual was acknowledged by Colonel Jack L. Usrey, who serves as the Senior Army Advisor for the Tennessee Army National Guard.
“I also owe everything to my parents, Jim and Judy Usrey of Martin, Tennessee,” he said, making it clear that he would not accept the praise that was being offered to him. They have been teaching me how to do this ever since I can remember.
I am awestruck and completely humbled by the reaction to such a simple act of kindness. My immediate thoughts were that the family’s attitude could not possibly be better due to the terrible weather, and I hoped that my little gesture would demonstrate to them that we wanted to express that we cared.
In the video that follows, you will find further details about the story.